Foxtail palm

[Chavy87]

I have a foxtail palm which is still in the container from Lowes, I have noticed these spots on some of the leaves as well as the lowest or oldest frond has turned brown. I believe that is just the life cycle of the tree but any knowledge on the brown spots would be appreciated. Thanks

[enigma99]

Looks like typical cool damage spotting

[Merlyn]

Given your location, I'm guessing it's going to be a patio plant in the summer and indoors in the winter?  Foxtails take some leaf spotting damage in the 40s, and severe damage or death below 30F.  The spotting looks like a minor Potassium deficiency, typical of cold weather.  If it's going to be in a pot then I'd recommend Osmocote fertilizer.

[Jim in Los Altos]

Your area is a bit marginal in winter for a Foxtail but possibly doable if planted in a spot that gets good southern exposure in the winter and even better if there’s a heat trapping wall or fence just to its north as well as some overhead protection from frost. Don’t worry about the oldest leaf looking bad. It’s finishing its life cycle. If it routinely drops to freezing or below, a Foxtail won’t make it and it will struggle badly through winter if daytime temperatures are 50°ish most of the time. 

Edited December 5, 2022 by Jim in Los Altos

[Chavy87]

Thanks. It's been in the garage with grow lights above, I doubt it drops below 50 degrees in there but yes it will go out on the patio in the summer and winter inside until it's too big.

[Merlyn]

@Chavy87this is what I use for potted plants, Osmocote Plus Smart-Release.  It should be available at any HD/Lowes in the normal 8lb bag:

[Chavy87]

Thanks for the feedback.